Mary's "Helping Hand" Scholarship is offered in memory of Mary Hamilton to honor her legacy of kindness, support and generosity to those facing hardship.

 

If you would like to make a donation to support and assist a fellow community member facing a hardship by helping them maintain a yoga practice, click the "donate" button on the left.

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Who is Mary Hamilton?

See Mary's Obituary below:

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Obituary

Mary V. Hamilton
September 13, 1959 – July 1, 2020

“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. 
It’s about learning how to dance in the rain”

Mary Hamilton of Bennington, Vermont entered into eternal rest on July 1, 2020 with her “one and only” husband, soulmate and high school sweetheart, Dave Hamilton Sr., and her loving family by her side.

Mary was born in Brooklyn, NY to Anna “Nancy” and John Carrick, Sr. on September 13, 1959. Mary leaves behind a rich legacy that includes a 43 year-long love story and marriage, four children, seven grandchildren and a lifetime of service as a volunteer, donor, sponsor, activist and advocate to her community and causes too numerous to mention due to the constraints of space. Mary's legacy as a health care professional includes more than 30 years of dedicated service as a nurse, nursing educator, patient advocate and nursing supervisor. Mary thrived in her nursing career, a calling that she loved throughout her adult life, and continued to do so full-time as a nursing supervisor at the Vermont Veteran’s Home throughout her illness until her 2018 terminal diagnosis.

“Queen of the Selfie,” Mary compiled and published a photobook of her Facebook posts with over 700 photos to show and remind us of all of the joy, love and special everyday moments that took place while she lived, loved and thrived throughout the various stages of her illness; from crazy Halloween costumes, beach vacations on Long Beach Island (her favorite place), holidays, Relay for Life events, the joy of getting her first haircut after several years of regrowth (photo above on left) to simple times with the love of her life (photo above, on right) and the boundless joy that she experienced while sharing life, laughter, time and celebrating milestones with her children, grandchildren and family. With her indomitable spirit and infectious laughter, Mary effectively captured the fun of making memories to last a lifetime and beyond. Mary chronicled these extraordinarily ordinary daily moments as she faced the fight of her life with odds of a 30% chance of survival during her fourth and final bout with cancer, an illness that could NEVER take her away her sparkle or enthusiasm for living.

Mary always considered herself graced and blessed to grow up with and share life, fun and laughter with her seven siblings, with whom she shared a special relationship. Following the passing of her Mother when Mary was 17 years of age, Mary played a lead role in raising five of her siblings. Prior to her passing, Mary expressed deep gratitude for her brothers and sisters for walking with her every step of the journey.

Mary is survived by her husband David Hamilton, Sr., and children David Hamilton, Jr., Kaitlyn (Kyle) Watson of Bennington, VT, Mike Hamilton (Kim Anetsberger), Hyde Park, VT and sister raised as her daughter, Terry Carrick, Mahopac, NY; seven grandchildren: Kaidence, Wessie, Brody, Brycen, Libby, Hailey & Desmond) and seven siblings: John Carrick, Jr. and Michael Carrick of Carmel, NY; Gerry (Janis and Jessica, Stephanie & Dan) Carrick, Hopewell Junction, NY; Noreen (Roger and Justin) Cyr, Danbury, CT; Geralyn (Michael) O’Reilly, Troy, NY; Grace Carrick, NYC and Terry (Dennis Dowd) Carrick, Mahopac, NY. Mary is also survived by paternal in-laws Robert & Molly Hamilton of Mahopac, NY, their four children, many nieces and nephews and is pre-deceased by parents John and Anna (Nancy) Carrick.

A memorial mass at Sacred Heart-Saint Francis DeSales Church, Bennington, VT followed by a Celebration of Life to take place at a future date to be announced, according to CDC guidelines. Prior to her farewell, Mary made it very clear that attendees at her Celebration of Life are to wear their dancing shoes, sparkle-y best outfit and come armed with favorite photos, stories and memories to share while cutting it up on the dance floor.  

In the interim, Mary encourages us to plant sunflower seeds, enjoy watching them grow and celebrate all of the everyday moments that we are so privileged to experience.

Mary often expressed her gratitude for the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, cancer research and the experimental treatments that made it possible for her to celebrate more than two-decades worth of birthdays since her first cancer diagnosis in the 1990’s. Mary would often say, “Your donations really do make a difference. I am living proof” as she would flash her million-dollar smile with her eyes a-sparkling.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in honor of Mary’s hope, light and pursuit for a cure as a 25-plus year cancer survivor may be made to the Bennington Relay for Life c/o E.P. Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.

 

If you are facing a hardship and would like to apply for Mary's "Helping Hand" Scholarship to allow you to maintain your yoga, self-care and balance practice, apply for the "Helping Hand" Scholarship:

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